Bear Much Fruit

In Isaiah 5, Israel is likened to a vine that brought forth wild grapes. In Hosea 10, she’s likened to an empty vine. Here in Chapter 15 of Ezekiel, the Lord likens her to a worthless vine…

Ezekiel 15:1-3And the word of the Lord came to me:“Son of man, how does the wood of the vine surpass any wood, the vine branch that is among the trees of the forest?Is wood taken from it to make anything? Do people take a peg from it to hang any vessel on it?

The wood of a grapevine is too crooked and too fragile to be used in construction of any kind

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Ezekiel 15:4Behold, it is given to the fire for fuel. When the fire has consumed both ends of it, and the middle of it is charred, is it useful for anything?

The wood of a grapevine doesn’t even make good firewood. In fact, it’s only good for one thing: to bring forth fruit. Jesus would use this same metaphor in John 15, saying, “I am the vine. You are the branches. He that abides in Me and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit. Herein is my Father glorified-that you bring forth much fruit”

Like Israel, the church is good for one thing. To glorify God by
bringing forth much fruit. What is fruit? Galatians 5:22 says the fruit of the Spirit is love. “Love Me,” the Lord says, “and then love people with My love flowing through you.” How can we love that way? Jesus said if we abide in Him and His words abide in us, we will bring forth much fruit (John 15:5). It’s so simple, not necessarily easy, but simple. Just cling to the Lord daily. Live for the Lord totally. Let His Spirit work His love in you and through you.

Jesus went on to say in John 15:6 that any branch that doesn’t bear fruit is cut off and cast into the fire to be burned. Ezekiel says the same thing…

What a wonderful accomplishment Carl. It’s really great that you did that. I have desired to do the same thing ever since i read Deuteronomy 17:18-20. I’m sure doing that has been a tremendous blessing in your life. God Bless!